Human Rights Representative

Canadian Union of Public Employees; Alberta; On-site; CAD 2,000 - 3,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Human Rights Representative to develop national programs addressing regional human rights issues. This role involves coordinating equity policies, analyzing legislation, and providing technical assistance to local unions. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to human rights and proven leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing support on equity and human rights issues.
• Knowledge of CUPE's policies and programs.
• Ability to work with equity-deserving communities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement equity and human rights policies.
• Analyze legislation and provide advice to CUPE staff.
• Develop and coordinate campaigns on equity issues.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Collaboration

Research

Education

University degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Social media

Job description

Persons interested are invited to apply for the position of Human Rights Representative, to operate from the Alberta Regional Office located in Edmonton, Alberta, by submitting a cover letter and a résumé to [e-mail]. The email should mention posting number CSU-25034.

There is a Bona Fide Occupational Requirement (BFOR) associated with this position. The position is designated for persons who are part of one or more of CUPE’s five designated groups for employment equity : Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ people and women.

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Human Rights Representative will be responsible for the development of national programs and initiatives to respond to regional human rights and equity issues and provide technical assistance and specialized resources on these issues to the Alberta staff, CUPE local unions, and the Alberta Division.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the direction of the Alberta Regional Director and the National Human Rights Branch Director, the successful applicant will be required to perform the following functions :

• Coordinate and implement equity and human rights policies and programs developed by CUPE in conjunction with staff, local unions, the Division, CUPE councils and other groups; assist local unions, CUPE councils and the Division in identifying equity and human rights issues and concerns and provide assistance in addressing them.
• Analyze legislation, policies and procedures related to equity and human rights and provide advice and support to CUPE staff and members.
• Undertake research, prepare and present briefs and reports, addressing the specific problems encountered by members of equity-deserving groups within CUPE's jurisdiction to governments, boards, commissions, task forces, authorities and other groups and organizations.
• Develop and coordinate campaigns on equity and human rights issues.
• Prepare and facilitate education / training sessions for CUPE staff and members on anti-oppression, equity, and human rights issues.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of human rights and equity conferences and events.
• Work with CUPE locals and staff to identify leadership potential among CUPE's equity-deserving members.
• Work with labour, coalitions and other organizations that are addressing discrimination against members of equity-deserving groups, to promote the goals of equity-deserving groups, and to represent CUPE, when requested, at conferences and other functions related to these issues.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a highly motivated individual with considerable experience in providing professional support and advice on equity and human rights issues and services and has demonstrated a commitment to human rights struggles. Proven leadership abilities, strategic skills, and a strong intersectional, anti-oppressive analysis of complex issues are essential. Sound judgement, resourcefulness and flexibility within a highly challenging political environment are also key requirements.

The incumbent must also possess :

• A university degree or equivalent experience.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the policies, programs, structure, function and objectives of CUPE.
• Knowledge, experience and skills required to develop and articulate CUPE's positions on equity and human rights issues (e.g., wage discrimination, racism, heterosexism, trans / homophobia, disability, employment equity, harassment, and other equity and human rights issues in the workplace) to members and staff, the labour movement, government-appointed bodies, organizations engaged in similar work, and the general public where required.
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of government legislation, agencies and commissions as they relate to current human rights and equity issues affecting CUPE members.
• Lived experience of issues affecting equity-deserving workers, such as Black, Indigenous and racialized workers, workers with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ workers and women.
• Experience working with equity-deserving communities.
• Demonstrated ability to do independent research, to prepare briefs and presentations, and to develop other material appropriate to the goals of CUPE's policies and programs.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with CUPE staff and members and build relationships with external partners working on similar issues.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English including the ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly to diverse audiences in a variety of settings, styles, and media.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use new media and current technology, including Word, Excel, Twitter, Facebook, Listservs, file management systems and databases.
• Free to travel and work weekends and holidays as required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and the Canadian Staff Union.

WEEKLY SALARY RANGE : $2,635.33 to $2,718.78

Persons interested should submit a cover letter and a résumé to [e-mail]. The email should mention posting number CSU-25034.

This job posting will close on May 28, 2025.

CUPE is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, accessible, and healthy workplace environment that is equitable and fair at all levels of its organization. We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce reflecting the diverse population and communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity deserving groups, including Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. We will provide reasonable accommodations for any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the recruitment and / or selection process. When invited for an interview, please inform us if you require an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources Department at [e-mail]. (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority)